Method Statement for Formwork & Shuttering Works

1.0 Revision Status

Revision Number	Date	Originator	Reviewed	Approved	Description of Re-submittal

2.0 Scope & Objectives

This Method Statement details the procedure for Formwork/Shuttering required to contain fresh/plastic concrete and mold it into the specified shapes, levels, and desired surface finishes[cite: 1].
The contractor shall design and prepare structural formwork drawings supported by calculations, taking into account all static, dynamic, and hydrostatic construction loads[cite: 1].

3.0 Reference Standards

Project Technical Specifications[cite: 1]
Approved Civil & Structural Drawings[cite: 1]
IS 6461 (Part 5): 1972 – Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 5 Formwork for concrete[cite: 1].
IS 303: 1989 – Plywood for General Purposes – Specification[cite: 1].
IS 4014 (Part 1): 1967 – Code of Practice for Steel Tubular Scaffolding[cite: 1].
IS 8989: 1978 – Safety Code for Erection of Concrete Framed Structures[cite: 1].

4.0 Definitions & Abbreviations

MS	Method Statement[cite: 1]
QCP	Quality Control Procedure[cite: 1]
ITP	Inspection & Test Plan[cite: 1]

5.0 Health & Safety Hazards

Specific safety measures must be followed strictly as applicable during field execution[cite: 1]. All overarching safety protocols are covered separately in the Project HSE Plan[cite: 1].

5.1 Formwork and Falsework (F&F) Terminology

Formwork (Shuttering): Mold used to contain wet concrete until it reaches the desired shape and self-supporting strength[cite: 1].

Falsework (Staging / Centering): Temporary structure supporting permanent structural elements during erection until self-supporting status is achieved[cite: 1].

Scaffolding (Paranja): Light structural framework erected to provide safe access for site personnel[cite: 1].

Striking (Stripping): Planned, controlled dismantling and removal of formwork components[cite: 1].

Sheeting (Sheathing): Supporting surface skin in direct contact with wet concrete[cite: 1].

Joist (Batten): Primary horizontal framing member directly supporting sheeting (slabs and beams)[cite: 1].

Bearer (Runner): Secondary horizontal load-transfer member supporting joists[cite: 1].

Prop Cap: Head unit seating top bearer loads axially into vertical props[cite: 1].

Prop: Vertical load-bearing support member transferring vertical loads downward[cite: 1].

Prop Base: Baseplate unit designed to distribute concentrated axial prop forces against punching shear[cite: 1].

Prop Footing (Spreader): Load distribution member designed to transfer concentrated vertical loads to stable, unyielding foundation strata[cite: 1].

Wedge: Tapered packing block used to fine-tune levels, plumb adjustments, and facilitate easy striking[cite: 1].

Wailing / Waling: Horizontal structural member designed to resist outward hydrostatic pressures on vertical shuttering panels[cite: 1].

Stud: Vertical reinforcement member resisting lateral liquid concrete pressure against sheeting panels[cite: 1].

Soldier: Heavy vertical structural member cantilevered upward from previously poured concrete elements[cite: 1].

Yoke:

Columns: External horizontal framing collar encircling column forms against bulging[cite: 1].
Slipform: Structural frame straddling inner and outer formwork faces[cite: 1].

Stop-end (Bulkhead): Vertical shutter plate inserted to terminate concrete pours and establish controlled construction joints[cite: 1].

Back Form: Top-face formwork unit applied over inclined or sloping slab pours[cite: 1].

Bracings:

Horizontal: Two-way structural ties engineered to restrict the effective slenderness ratio of vertical props[cite: 1].
Diagonal: Inclined framing elements engineered to transfer wind and lateral forces directly through props[cite: 1].

Tie Bolt: High-tensile interconnecting rod used to clamp opposing shutter faces and resist lateral liquid pressure[cite: 1].

Riband: Flat-laid horizontal member deployed to withstand lateral pressure forces[cite: 1].

Starter (Kicker): Concrete stub cast monolithically with footings/slabs to locate and secure vertical column/wall shuttering[cite: 1].

Shikanjas: Mechanical clamping brackets used to hold opposite shuttering panels or right-angled corners firmly together[cite: 1].

Four-Way Head: Top-mounted support head used to receive and support I-beams or double runners beneath slabs and beams[cite: 1].

Tripod: Three-legged base accessory used to stabilize vertical props during erection and maintain plumb alignment[cite: 1].

6.0 Roles & Responsibilities

6.1 Project Engineer

Verify that formwork operations strictly adhere to contract specifications, structural drawings, and approved design calculations[cite: 1].
Ensure activities progress according to the baseline schedule and confirm all necessary formwork systems and staging materials are available in good condition[cite: 1].
Coordinate directly with the Client, Consultant, Project Manager, Site Engineer, Safety Engineer, and Surveyors for safe execution[cite: 1].
Enforce quality control standards and safety protocols in coordination with QA/QC and HSE teams[cite: 1].

6.2 Site Engineer

Direct daily shuttering operations in accordance with approved shop drawings and project specifications[cite: 1].
Provide detailed instruction and assign specific operational responsibilities to the execution crew[cite: 1].
Track daily productivity, compare against project targets, and submit updates to the Project Engineer / Project Manager[cite: 1].
Coordinate with Safety Engineers to maintain safe field practices during erection and dismantling[cite: 1].
Coordinate with QA/QC Engineers to arrange timely field inspections for completed shuttering elements[cite: 1].
Cross-check daily site production against reports provided by Foremen[cite: 1].
Distribute updated structural drawings and revisions immediately to the field execution team[cite: 1].
Work with Surveyors to verify levels, verticality, plumbness, and line alignment before concrete placement[cite: 1].

6.3 QA/QC Engineer

Ensure all shuttering materials, release agents, and assembly procedures meet quality requirements[cite: 1].
Perform preliminary field inspections on finished formwork before issuing official requests for client/consultant inspection[cite: 1].
Maintain structured inspection records, pre-pour checklists, and test documentation for official records[cite: 1].

6.4 Safety Engineer

Enforce project safety procedures in line with the HSE plan and conduct relevant site safety briefings[cite: 1].
Monitor working platforms, staging systems, edge protection, and access ladders to prevent accidents[cite: 1].
Perform regular field safety audits and report hazards or incidents immediately to project management[cite: 1].
Ensure work areas are kept clean, tidy, and free of trip hazards[cite: 1].

6.5 Foreman

Distribute daily labor, tools, shuttering plates, and staging equipment in coordination with the Site Engineer[cite: 1].
Submit daily progress reports and coordinate upcoming resource requirements with the Site Engineer[cite: 1].
Assist the surveyor during layout setting out, line marking, and level checks[cite: 1].
Enforce safety guidelines and quality parameters directly on the field workforce[cite: 1].
Report unexpected site conditions, material damage, or safety concerns immediately[cite: 1].

6.6 Surveyor

Establish project benchmarks from approved reference points and provide line layout, axis grid, and level markings[cite: 1].
Perform routine check measurements during formwork assembly to maintain design tolerances[cite: 1].
Record line alignment and soffit elevation metrics, reporting deviations to the Site Engineer[cite: 1].

7.0 Construction Procedure & Work Methodology

Preparatory Works: Inspect, clean, and grade steel form panels or plywood sheets prior to deployment[cite: 1].
Layout & Dimensional Checks: Verify overall layout line alignment, vertical elevation, and grid intersections against approved structural construction drawings[cite: 1].
Erection & Structural Integrity: Assemble formwork centering and shuttering as detailed in specifications prior to concrete placement to confine and mold wet concrete[cite: 1]:
- Forms must offer sufficient strength to safely carry hydrostatic concrete loads, dynamic placement impact, and temporary construction live loads[cite: 1].
- System stiffness must prevent surface deflection or joint displacement under full concrete weight[cite: 1].
- Design systems to enable clean, scientific striking without jarring or damaging cured concrete surfaces[cite: 1].
- Ensure adequate working space and clear access for concrete placement and compaction equipment[cite: 1].
Joint Sealing & Fixation: Secure shuttering joints, corner angles, and panel connections tightly to prevent cement slurry leakage during vibration[cite: 1].
Release Agent Application: Apply an even coating of approved form release oil or stripping oil to interior form contact faces to prevent concrete adhesion[cite: 1].
Bracing Systems: Install adequate longitudinal, lateral, and vertical bracing to stabilize systems against lateral pressures from fresh concrete placement[cite: 1].
Controlled Stripping: Apply form release agents systematically to facilitate safe, clean dismantling during formwork removal[cite: 1].

8.0 Material Requirements

All materials utilized must comply with project structural requirements and relevant code specifications[cite: 1]:

Timber / Wood framing elements[cite: 1]
Composite timber and hybrid wooden framing components[cite: 1]
Shuttering Plywood (conforming to IS 303)[cite: 1]
Aluminum formwork panels and beams[cite: 1]
Steel shuttering plates and tubular staging elements[cite: 1]
Engineered plastic formwork systems[cite: 1]
Chemical form release agents and stripping oils[cite: 1]

9.0 Equipment Requirements

Auto Level Instrument & Accessories[cite: 1]

Hammers & Striking Tools[cite: 1]

Prying Levers & Alignment Bars[cite: 1]

Timber Jointing Hardware (Bolts, Nuts, Clamps)[cite: 1]

Hydraulic Jacks[cite: 1]

Four-Way Heads[cite: 1]

Stabilizing Tripods[cite: 1]

Shikanjas / Column Clamps[cite: 1]

10.0 Health & Safety Provisions

Prioritize site safety throughout formwork assembly, concrete placement, and stripping[cite: 1].
Where formwork or falsework is erected at heights, install standard guardrails, perimeter barriers, safety netting, advance warning signs, and hazard warning tape around the perimeter[cite: 1].
Implement controlled safety measures during formwork stripping, including restricted exclusion zones, overhead protection, and PPE usage[cite: 1].

11.0 Quality Control Approvals

The following quality control documentation must be formally submitted and approved prior to starting formwork operations[cite: 1]:

Quality Control Procedure (QCP) for Formwork Works[cite: 1]
Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) for Formwork Works[cite: 1]
Project Field Quality Plan[cite: 1]
Execution & Pre-Pour Checklists for Formwork[cite: 1]

12.0 Supporting Documentation

This Method Statement must be implemented alongside the following documents[cite: 1]:

Contract Specifications and Structural Construction Drawings[cite: 1]
Quality Control Procedure (QCP) for Formwork[cite: 1]
Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) for Formwork[cite: 1]
Method Statement (MS) for Formwork[cite: 1]
Project Quality Plan[cite: 1]
Project HSE Plan[cite: 1]

13.0 Distribution List

Copies distributed for implementation, compliance, and record maintenance[cite: 1]:

Management Representative[cite: 1]
Project Manager[cite: 1]
Project Engineer[cite: 1]
Site Engineer[cite: 1]
HSE Engineer[cite: 1]
QA/QC Engineer[cite: 1]

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